Hai murid-murid,
(Cikgu would really prefer to write this in Malay but I think it would be easier for you to understand what I have to express if I write in English instead. Hopefully next time I can write something like this in Malay though as you know, I express myself better in Malay actually… hehe)
First of all, I really want to say that I’m very proud of my MSP2 students. I applaud every single one of you who willingly take part in the Dikir Barat. Let me tell you why:
1) Dikir barat is a form of performing art that requires professional training and hard work by the instructor and also by the ones who are performing. Even Malay students are sometimes not given the opportunity to try it out. But you are given the privilege and I am really happy for those who really put in effort so far. Trust me, your efforts will pay off.
2) Being part of the Malay Special Programme, I’m sure you are aware right from the beginning that learning Malay do not only include the language but it’s a package. You will get to learn on the Malay culture and that of course includes its arts. For those who take the opportunity to learn and appreciate this Dikir Barat experience, I congratulate you.
3) I’m not sure if you realise it but I think you should be proud of yourself too for the fact that you will be part of Nanyang Festival of Arts, to put up a performance that is unique. You are indeed showcasing the infinite possibility of the Arts. Chinese students performing a Malay performing art – learning the lyrics, the traditional musical instruments, the way of performing, etc. It is certainly an achievement if every one of you play your part to make it happen.
I don’t mean to brag or prove to you my point as to why you should feel privileged that you are part of this. All I’m trying to say is that:
MSP2, Cikgu sungguh bangga.
MSP2, Cikgu’s really proud of you.
I am really happy for the ones who turned up for the dikir practices. :) Especially the ones who came for all three days. You know who you are. Not forgetting the ones who couldn’t come for one or some of the days because of some commitments but still make an effort to inform me and came for the rest of the days. Good for you :) Or that particular someone who overslept on the first day, hehe . She even took the trouble to apologise to me and really came for the rest of the days. And even some people who excused themselves from their CCA training or camp to participate in the practices. I’m really impressed with the commitment shown by everyone. In case you’re not aware, let me make it clear that I really take note of everyone’s attendance seriously and I shall say that it is quite a useful indicator for me, for the different upcoming moments that I shall be needed to provide feedback on my students.
That is why I did not mind buying food for the ones who came. If not to express my appreciation for your presence and commitment, it is effort on my part rather. Nothing much I know. That’s all I can afford mah….hehe. Well, truth is, we don’t have much budget. Budget given is only enough for instructor and rental of instruments. Any other expenses including costumes, food, etc, let’s just say… Hmm I’ll try my best to do what I can, ok…
Truthfully, this Dikir Barat thingy is not just a first-time experience for you girls, but for me too. When I was a student, I was more active in Malay dance. Hence, dikir barat is an amazingly new experience for me. Of course not as a performer, but to be in-charged of, this time. If I’m a student now, I’ll readily take part too. And seriously, I think you would enjoy more if you perform rather than being in-charge of it. Why? Because sometimes it can be a quite headache. Being a new teacher, there are many things I’m not familiar with. It’s not easy to look for an instructor at the first place. And then you have to try your best to work with the allocated budget. And of course to plan for practices, writing the lyrics, etc. Cikgu’s very stressed. At the beginning, I felt like just saying ‘no’ to the committee, because I didn’t want to force students to do things they don’t want. That was what I felt at first. But when I sat down to think, I realised that I should do this for the sake of my students. For your learning experience. It’s not for me, not for the committee working on the Festival of Arts, not for the school, but for yourselves.
But of course, for those who think otherwise, I am disappointed but there’s nothing I can do.
That is why I think I should not and do not want to thank all those who gave your commitment but instead, I sincerely would like to CONGRATULATE you.
That’s all for now. Will be posting the lyrics and videos of the practices next. Still uploading the videos on youtube. :) Feel free to comment or email me on queries or if you have suggestions.
P.S: You know what, I was editing the videos just now and the awok-awok’s loud voices actually caught my mum’s attention. She stopped whatever she was doing and viewed the video I was playing. When it ended, she was silent for a while and then she turned to me and asked unbelievingly:
“Itu semua budak cina?” (Are those all really Chinese students?).
And that was only a practice session. ;D
Sincerely,
Cikgu Karmila
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